7 Day Road Trip Itinerary – Puglia

A Family Adventure: 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Puglia with an 18-Month-Old

Italy holds a special place in our hearts, thanks to its incredible diversity. We love it so much that we named our little girl Florence! One destination we were eager to explore was Puglia. Last summer, we had an unforgettable 7-day road trip in Puglia with our 18month old. Keep reading to find out what we got up to.

For more of a detailed guide on Puglia and where we stayed, check out our guide on Puglia and Lake Como here.

Image of 18-month-old Florence lovingly exploring the Trulli in Alberobello, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique cone-shaped houses, providing a charming backdrop for her adventurous spirit.

Here’s a simple guide to our unforgettable journey:

Day 1: Arrival in Bari

  • Land at Bari Airport and pick up your rental car.
  • Drive to your accommodation in the picturesque town of Locorotondo.
  • Check-in, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the town’s narrow streets and historic architecture.
Image of the ancient stone house 'The Three Flowers' Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a charming and historic accommodation option surrounded by the picturesque countryside of the region, offering a unique and authentic Italian experience.

Day 2: Locorotondo and Alberobello

  • Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café or your accomodation – We found eating breaky at our airbnb was the best start to our days when travelling with children.
  • Explore Locorotondo, known for its whitewashed houses and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique trulli houses.
  • Return to Locorotondo for dinner – We ate at  Pizzeria Casa Pinto.
Image of a person taking a seat on the cobbled streets of Alberobello, Italy, surrounded by the unique trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into the charming traditional architecture of the region.
Image of Polignano a Mare at dusk, a stunning coastal town in Puglia, Italy, known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque old town, illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun.

Day 3: Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

  • Drive to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
  • Stroll through the charming streets and enjoy a seaside lunch.
  • Continue to Monopoli, a historic port town with a beautiful old town and stunning beaches.
  • Have dinner at Il Quadrifoglio

Day 4: Putignano and Ostuni

  • Visit Putignano, known for its lively carnival celebrations.
  • Explore the town’s historic center and enjoy a traditional expresso and bakery treats at Zucchero a Vel.
  • Stop of at Ostuni on you way home – This beautiful white washed city is stunning at dusk, and there is a great photo op at every corner.
  • Dinner at La Pastasciutta.
Image of bakery treats including nun's breasts (tette della monache), croissant, chocolate eclair, and espresso, enjoyed at a local bakery, offering a delicious taste of Italian pastries and coffee culture.

Day 5: Calette Di Torre Cintola

  • Spend a relaxing day at Calette Di Torre Cintola, a beautiful beach with calm waters, perfect for families.
  • Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a picnic on the beach.
Image of a family having fun at Calette Di Torre Cintola, a beautiful beach area in Puglia, Italy, known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic views, offering the perfect setting for a memorable family day out.

Day 6: Otranto Coastline/ Ostuni

  • Drive to the stunning Otranto Coastline, known for its rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
  • Explore the picturesque coastal towns and enjoying the stunning views.
Image of admiring the coastline between Monopoli and Capitola, a stunning stretch of the Adriatic coast in Puglia, Italy, characterized by its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns.
Image of a street in Alberobello, Italy, known for its unique trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the traditional and picturesque architecture of the region.

Day 7: Departure from Bari

  • Check out of your accommodation and drive back to Bari.
  • Return your rental car at the airport and catch your flight back home, cherishing the wonderful memories of your Puglian adventure.

Tips for Traveling with a Toddler

  • Pack plenty of snacks, toys, and entertainment for the car rides between destinations.
  • We used a small travel pram so our Florence could nap when she grew tired.
  • Get out of the sun during the heat of the day. Have a big nap so you can stay up later in the evening when its cooler and more comfortable like the locals.
  • Schedule breaks for your little one to stretch and play on longer drives. Lots of coast to stop and admire.
  • Use your itinerary as a guide rather than strict timetable. Be prepared for unexpected changes… and pack some swimwear for when those unexpected changes involve swimming.

We hope this itinerary inspires your own family adventure through Puglia. Stay tuned for more travel tips and stories from us!

Image of the white-washed buildings lining a street in Alberobello, Italy, showcasing the unique and picturesque architecture of the traditional trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Image of Florence cooling off in the waters of Puglia, Italy, enjoying a refreshing dip in the clear blue sea, a perfect way to beat the summer heat in this beautiful coastal region.
Image of Bianca reading a story to Florence at their Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a heartwarming moment captured in their cozy and inviting accommodation, offering a glimpse into their family travel experience.
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